Foods that de-stress

With crazy schedules and little down time, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and reach for the junk foodŠbut according to bettereats.com, fattier foods will only increase stress levels.

Here are picks for feeling the zen:

Avocados

The potassium and monosaturated fats found in avocados are known for lowering blood pressure. Toss avocados into a salad or spread on a sandwich.

Leafy Vegetables

Why? Spinach and kale provide replenishing vitamins, which will perk you up far better than a cup of coffee. Plus spinach is loaded with magnesium which keeps you from feeling fatigued. Throw veggies in with a pasta dinner.

Complex Carbs

There’s a good reason while some crave pizza when stressed. Carbohydrates tell the brain to release serotonin. No, this does not mean you should reach for a slice of takeout cheesy bread, but it does mean to look for whole grains. Try a whole grain breakfast cereal or oatmeal before you leave the house or enjoy a bowl of whole grain pasta with veggies at dinner. If you are looking to venture outside of the usual dinner-time pasta, Quinoa is a fabulous alternative.

Oranges

Oranges are loaded with vitamin C, which has been shown to stabilize cortisol levels and blood pressure. Enjoy orange slices on a demanding day; they are sweet and will help you return to normal when you feel a mini-meltdown coming on.

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Hot Tea

Studies have shown that tea drinkers are calmer and have lower levels of cortisol found in their body. Plus, the warmth of tea can have a soothing effect in times of worry. Reach for herbal teas like black tea or green tea, and add just a dash of honey for sweetness.

Fish

Fish like salmon contain high levels of good-for-you omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids can help prevent spikes in stress hormones. Think fish is a dinner-only food? Think again. Try a breaking egg and salmon sandwich.